Weeping

Weeping or crying is the shedding of tears in response to an emotional state, pain or a physical irritation of the eye. Emotions that can lead to crying include anger, happiness, or sadness. The act of crying has been defined as "a complex secretomotor phenomenon characterized by the shedding of tears from the lacrimal apparatus, without any irritation of the ocular structures". A related medical term is lacrimation, which also refers to non-emotional shedding of tears.

Physiology of weeping

Crying is believed to be an outlet or a result of a burst of intense emotional sensations, such as agony, surprise or joy. This theory is more plausible as it explains why people cry during cheerful events, as well as very painful events.

Individuals tend to remember the positive aspects of crying, and may create a link between other simultaneous positive events, such as resolving feelings of grief. Along with this, individuals remember crying for long periods of time or crying excessively.

Social aspects

In many cultures, crying is associated with a symbol of strength. Many people believe that crying could reduce the effects of stress, which could, in turn, increase the risk of getting sick.

See also

• Tears
• Lacrimation
• Emotion

References

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